High voltage switch arrangement for insulated conductors



A. IMHOF Nov. 3, 1964 HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT FOR INSULATEDCONDUCTORS 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed May 25, 1962 INVENTOR. 145/1786?!//'h/$a/ Nov. 3, 1964 A. IMHOF 3,

HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT FOR INSULATED CONDUCTORS Filed May 25,1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 7-/ 2a &:

NOV. 3, 1964 [Ml-[OF 3,155,787

HIGH VOLTAGE SWITCH ARRANGEMENT FOR INSULATED CONDUCTORS Filed May 25,1962 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR.

United States Patent "ice 3,155,787 HllGH VQLTAGE SWETQH ARRAIQGEMEN'EEFGR KNSULATED CGNDUQTGEE Alfred l mhoi', Zurich, witzerland, assi norto Meson Glaser Transiormatoren AG, Muttenz, near Basel, witzerlandFiled May 25, 1962, Ser. No, 197,737 Qlairns priority, applicationSwitzerland, lV-lay 3t 1961, sass/s1 2i) Claims. (Cl. ace -es} Thepresent invention concerns a high voltage switch arrangement for indoorand outdoor installations, and more particularly a switch of this typewhich is suitable for being used as a bus bar disconnecting switch asWell as a switch for disconnecting or connecting branch lines from andto bus bars. However, if the switch contacts are constructed in aspecial manner known to the art the switch according to the inventionmay also be used for switching under load.

It is one of the objects of this invention to provide for a high voltageswitch of the type set forth which requires comparatively very littlespace in direction transverse of the switching movement so that inmulti-phase installations the conductors assigned to the difierentphases can be arranged at very small spacing from each other.

It is a further object of the invention to provide for a switch as setforth which is specifically adapted for being installed in fullyinsulated high voltage lines. Among these are for instance insulatedconductors known by the trade name Duresca-Busbars. However, the switchaccording to the invention is to be equally adapted for being installedin other fully insulated lines as for instance cables, rigid conductorswith oil paper insulation, gasinsulated lines, etc.

It is still another object of the invention to provide for a switch asmentioned above which is capable of various modifications andadaptations, particularly for being used in multiple arrangements ininstallations comprising a plurality of phase lines.

With above objects in view the invention provides basically for aconnecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, at least one insulated conductormeans having an insulated main portion having an axis and an insulatedangular end portion having a first insulated portion and a secondinsulated portion extendingtransversely of each other, said secondinsulated portion having an end portion including a contact faceprojecting therefrom said first insulated portion having a common axiswith said main portion of said conductor means and being conductivelyconnected therewith by an uninsulated intermediate portion permittingsaid angular end portion to be turned relative to said main portionabout said common axis between at least two angularly spaced positionsin at least one of which said contact face is adapted to engage anotherconductor; actuating means for turning said angular end portion betweensaid angularly spaced positions; and coupling means surrounding saidintermediate portion and the adjoining parts or" said main and endportions of said conductor means and permitting said angular end portionto be turned relative to said main portion.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for t einvention are set forth in particular in the Patented Nov. 3, E964.-

s Lard appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to itsconstruction and its method of operation together with additionalobjects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from thefollowing description of specific embodiments when read in connectionwith the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective diagrammatic view of one embodiment of theinvention, the switch being shown in closed position;

FIG. la illustrates diagrammatically only the movable switch members ofthe embodiment of FIG. 1 in open position;

PEG. 2 is a perspective diagrammatic view of a threephase switcharrangement according to the invention in which the busbars may beconnected with and disconnected from each other and also may beconnected with and disconnected from branch lines;

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic end view of a switch arrangement according tothe invention by which a busbar may be connected with and disconnectedfrom a branch line and a ground connection;

FIG. 4 is a similar diagrammatic end view of an embodiment of theinvention in which two parallel busbars may be connected with anddisconnected from each other and also may be connected with ordisconnected from two different branch lines;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic axial section of a coupling arrangement formingpart of the arrangement accord ing to the invention;

PEG. 6 illustrates in a similar manner a modification of the arrangementaccording to FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 illustrates in the same manner still another modification of thearrangement of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a diagrammatic sectional elevation of a switch arrangementaccording to the invention including a metal housing surrounding theactual switch means, the section being taken along line VIII-VIII ofFIG. 10;

FIG. 9 is a corresponding diagrammatic longitudinal section of thearrangement of FIG. 8, the section being taken along line lX-IX of FIG.10; and

FIG. 10 is .a diagrammatic plan view of the same arrangement viewed inthe direction of arrow XX in FIG. 9.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the basic form of the switch arrangementaccording to the invention is a fully insulated busbar or otherconductor means composed of a main portion 1 having an axis and an endportion of angular form having a straight portion 3 coaxial with themain portion li, a second portion 3 extending transversely of theportion 3. The portion 3 has an end including a contact face or contactmember 5 projecting therefrom. The busbar or conductor further comprisesan intermediate portion between the portions 1 and 3 which not insulateditself but is so constructed as to permit the angular portion 3, 3 to beturned about the common axis of the portions 1 and 3' in a bearing 4.The above mentioned intermediate portion not visible in FIG. 1 issurrounded by a coupling 2 which also surrounds the adjoining ends ofthe portions l and 3' and also permits the turning movement of theportion 3, 3' relative to the portion 1. In this manner the portion 3,3' is movable between at least two angular positions in at least one ofwhich the contact member 5 is adapted to engage another conductor.

3,1 save? I all In a first modification of the basic switch typeaccording to the invention two switch arrangements as described aboveare combined with each other as illustrated by FlG. 1. The second switchcomprises a main busbar portion l, a coupling 2', an angular portion 3,3' also supported in a bearing 4 and having at its outer end a contactface or contact member 5. Preferably the portions l and 3 of the firstswitch are coaxial with the members i. and 3 of the second switch and sospaced from each other in axial direction that in the illustratedposition of the portions 3 of the two switches the contact members 5 and5' engage each other. In this position the busbar or conductor portionsit and it are conductively conn cted with each other.

in order to disconnect these conductors at least one of the portions 3,3' is to be turned about the above mentioned axis. FIG. la illustrates acondition in which one portion 3, 3' is turned in counter-clockwisedirection while the other portion 3, 3 is turned in the oppositedirection as indicated by the arrows so as to separate the contactmembers 5, 5 from each other. Conventional actuating means are providedas indicated diagrammatically at A for moving the portions 3, 3 in themanner described above. The actuating means are not shown in detail inthe drawings of this application in order not to encumber heillustration of the actual invention and because the actuating means areentirely convent onal. As indicated in FIG. 1a, the actuating means Amay also serve to move an insulating shield T between the separatedcontact member 5, 5 when the latter are separated from each other. Theactuating means A may be operated by compressed air or by oil-hydraulicapparatus and suitable lever and linkage systems.

While in the drawings the angular end portions 3, 3' are illustratedeach as one unit i.e. as an angularly curved or bent busbar, it shouldbe understood that at least one of the portions 3, 3', or preferablyboth of them, may advantageously consist of straight lead-throughbushings of conventional type assembled in such a manner that thebushing constituting the portion 3 extends transversely of the portion3' or of the second bushing constituting that portion.

As a rule fully insulated busbars or conductors as for instance cablesare provided with an outer layer or slrin which is connected to ground.if such material is used for the conductor portions 1 and 3, 33 then thegrounded layer or skin should be removed from the portions 3 so that thepotential difference between the bare contact faces or contact members5, 5 and ground extends over the entire length of the portions 3.

In modified forms of the invention the basic switch arrangementillustrated by FIGS. 1 and to may be used advantageously not only forconnecting and disconnecting two substantially coaxial busbars but alsofor connecting one or the other of these busbars to, or to disconnectthem from branch lines extending transversely from the busbars. Incertain cases such a branch line may be a ground connection. Suchmodified embodiments are illustrated by 5183. 2l0.

FIG. 2 illustrates a switch arrangement according to the inventioninstalled within a triple or three-phase bu bar system and adapted alsoto connect each of these busbars to a branch line or to disconnect ittherefrom. According to FIG. 2 there are three parallel main portionsZia, lb and 1c of one set of busbars. The corresponding set of secondbusbars extending substantially coaxially with the busbars 1a, lb and 1care not shown at tit opposite end of the arrangement. Couplings 2a, 2band 2c connect the busbar ends la, 31b and 1c, respectively, with thecorresponding turnable angular end portions s, 7, 8, respectively. Thecorresponding turnable angular end portions of the second set ofswitches are indicated at 6a, 7a and tla. By means of actuating means Ashown only diagrammatically the various angular end portions 6, 6a, '7,7a, 8, 8a may be turned individually or jointly between various angularpositions relative to each other. Evidently they may be moved intopositions in which engagement is produced between the contact members doand do of each of the members 6 and do, and and 7a, and 8 and be,respectively. Three branch lines l2, l3 and which may be insulated ornot insulated and which are supported by non-insulated or insulatedsupports l2, l3 and M, respectively, are shown as extending transverselyof the above described busbar system. The branch lines 12, i5 and Mterminate in contact members 12a, 23a and Ma, respectively. These lastmentioned contact members are so positioned that upon turning themembers (a, do, '7, Qa, 3, be individually or jointly into the positionsillustrated in FIG. 2 the contact members 5a and/ or 5a will engage therespective contact members 32a, 13a and 14a, respectively. In thismanner th busbar system is connected with the branch lines 12, 113 and14. By moving the members 6, 6a, 1, 7a, 8, 3a in opposite direction thebranch lines 12, i3 and id may be disconnected from the busbar system.

PEG. 3 illustrates by way of example for one switch according to theinvention a modification in which the switch portion corresponding tothe portion 3 of FIG. 1 is turnable in two opposite directions asindicated by the arrows so that in the position thereof shown in fulllines the conact member 5a may be in engagement with another sirn'switch member, while upon being turned in clockwise direction it iscapable of engaging the Contact member 17:: of a branch line 37supported by a support Jib. When turned in opposite direction the member15 would bring its contact member 5a into engagement with a groundconnection H6. 4 illustrates a further modification or" the invention inwhich case two switch members 19 and fill, both corresponding to aportion 3 of the arrangement according to FIG. 1, constitute therespective ends or two busbars extending parallel wi h each other andspaced from each other a predetermined distance substantiallycorresponding to the radial lengths or" the members 19 and 2%. When theswitch members and are in the positions shown in full lines therespective contact members 5a and 5b are in engagement with each otherso that the two busbars are in conductive connection. However, thespacing between the busbars may be chosen so that in this position thecontact members 5:: and 5b are not in engagement but in this positionthe two busbars are disconnected from each other. On the other hand, inthe first described case the members 19 and may be moved through acomparatively small angle from that position so that the contact members5:: and 5b are separated from each other for disconnecting the twobusbars. if there are provided two branch lines 21 and 222 at oppositesides of the switch arrangement, the line 21 terminating in contactmembers 21a and Zia, and the line 22 terminating in contact members 22aand 22a, in suitable positions relative to the switch members il and 23,then the switch members and 2e can be turned jointly or separately intopositions in which the contact member 5a either engages the contactmember 21a or the contact member n and in which the contact member 5!)engages either the contact member 2.1a or the contact memher 2%. in thismanner each of the busbars may also be cor iected selectively witheither one of the branch lines 2.1 and 22. in addition at least oneground connection 23 may be provided in such a position that by furtherturning of the respective switch cg. member the busbar associated withmember 2b is connected with ground by engagement of the contact member5a with the ground contact 23.

it should be understood that the arrangement according to FIG. 4 couldlikewise be incorporated in a system according to FIG. 2 in which casethe arrangement of PEG. 4 is duplicated in such a manner that a thirdbusbar line extends coaxially with the busbar associated with switchmember 19 and a fourth busbar extends coaxially with the busbarassociated with member In this case also the coaxial first and thirdbusbars as well as the coaxial second and fourth busbars can beconnected with each other whenever desired. In an arrangement as justdescribed the actuating means, not shown in FIG. 4, may be constructedin such a manner that any one of th switch arms 19, 2t) and the othercorresponding switch arms of the arrangement are moved jointly orindividually so that a great number of various line connections can beestablished as may be desired. It will be understood that none of theconventional high voltage switch arrangements offers the advantages andthe versatility of the arrangement according to the invention. -t can beseen that particularly in a three-phase arrangement according to FIG. 2a single disconnecting and con ecting switch arrangement replaces twoseparate switch arrangements conventionally used in high voltage linesystems up to now. Hereby a very considerable saving of spacerequirements is obtained. On the basis of this invention the width ofthe space occupied by the various busbars or branch lines is notpredetermined any more by the great number of switching but only by theoverall dimensions of the single switch arrangement according to theinvention. Obviously, the cost of a high voltage line switchingarrangement for the purposes set forth is greatly reduced by theinvention. Practical experience has shown that high voltageinstallations based on the switching arrangement according to theinvention require only to 35% of the space required by conventionalinstallations. In addition, arrangements according to the invention aresubstantially safe against contamination by dust, easy to e inspectedand maintained, and highly versatile.

An important element of the switch arrangement according to theinvention is the coupling device 2 or 2 referred to in describing PEG.1, and the structure of the intermediate portion conductively connectingthe busbar portion l with the end portion 3'.

Several examples of these components are illustrated by FIGS. 57.

FIG. 5 illustrates two ends of fully insulated conductor portions 2 and25 of which 24 may be the end of a busbar main portion l and 25 may bethe end of the portion 3' as illustrated in FIG. 1. Both portions arecoaxial with each other. Both conductor portions are provided in aconventional manner with means for providing a desired dielectricgradient ex by means of condenser layers inserted in the insulation.Between the ends of the insulations of the portions 24 and 25 is anintermediate portion ZS, 29 which will be described further below. Theintermediate portion as well as the insulated ends of the portions and25 immediately adjoining the intermediate portion are surrounded by aninsulating cylinder 26 which is likewise provided with means forproviding a desired dielectric gradient so that nowhere a substantialpotential difference between the insulating cylinder and the ends of thehigh voltage conductors can exist.

The intermediate portion mentioned above must be so constructed that itpermits a turning movement or" the portion 25' relative to the portion24. Therefore, the intermediate portion may be constructed as a sort ofpin and socket connection, the pin end 28 being inserted into the socketend he socket end may be split into ends resiliently engaging acorresponding undercut or groove in a portion of the pin 23 whereby thetwo conductors 2d and 25 are continuously held in conductive connectionand are prevented from moving a; art in axial direction. lowever,instead of using a pin and socket connection the intermediate portionmay also be corstructed so as to be twistable for which purpose it mayconsist of one or more flat strips of conductive 5675i or of a piece ofcable or cable strands. the 655 3 that the conductors and 25 consist ofa metal tubing containing a stranded copper cable, then the portions 24and 25 may be constructed as a continuous conductor 6 of this type, themetal tubings being se arated in the neighborhood of intermediateportion and the stranded copper cable constituting in itself a twistableintermediate portion for the purposes or" this invention.

For various reasons it is advisable to enclose the entire couplingarrangement i.e. the insulating cylinder 26 and the adjoining surfacesof the portions and 25 with a preferably elastic cover which may be madeof rubber or may be constructed as a metal bellows. In this manner theconductive joint at 2%, 29 is also protected against co a -in'iion bydust. advantageously the empty space within the cylindrical insulatingbushing 26 may be filled with an insulating oil in which case thedimensions of this coupling arrangement could be reduced and an evengreater protection against humidity is obtained. Of course, in t caseoil seals of conventional type should be incorporated in thisarrangement.

In the modified form of the coupling device according to two coaxialbusbar or conductor portions 31 and 32 are shown which are both fullyinsulated, the insulation of each of these portions being tapered towardthe inte ediate portion. A metallic or in any case conductivecylindrical bus ing 33 surrounds the intermediate portion and theadjoining tapered ends of the conductor portions and 32 and engages atits ends the grounded outer layer of the portions 31 and 32 so as toprevent an interruption of the ground connection at the point of thecoupling. The interior of the cylindrical housing 33 is filled with afluid of sufficient dielectric strength e.g. with a mineral oil, liquidchlorodiphenyl, silicon oil, sulfur hexafiuoroide, etc. For stillfurther increasing the dielectric stren th of the arrangement it isadvisable to insert cylindrical insulating shields 35'. An annular seal36 of conventional ype prevents the L from escaping along the surface ofthe turnable portion 31.

The modification according to FIG. 7 is essentially constructed in thesame manner as the arrangement according to H6. 6, except for the factthat an insulating body 38 of solid dielectric material eg. a castingresin is placed into the empty space inside the bushing or housing 33 sothat the amount of fluid dielectric L can be reduced considerably.

In the case of outdoor installations it is advisable to protect thefully insulated high voltage busbars or conductors by metal tubing orweather proof synthetic covering aloru the grounded portion thereofwhile the turnable end portions may be protected by ceramic orequivalent means.

While the examples according to FIGS. 1 and 4 are shown substantially asthey would appear in an outdoor installation, it is advisable forcertain purposes and conditions to enclose the entire switch arrangementby a metal housing which may be filled with air or also with a fluidhavin a greater dielectric strength as for instance gases at elevatedpressure, gases having a high specific dielectric strength, oil,chlorodiphenyl, fluorocarbon, silicone oil, etc.

By way of example an embodiment of this type is illustrateddiagrammatically by FIGS. l0. A metal housing 48 is shown empty but maybe filled with one of the media mentioned above and is providedpreferably with a transparent lid 49 which may be of glass so that atall times the positions of the movable switch members can be observedfrom the outside. A metal screen or mesh 5d may be provided underneaththe lid 4-9 in order to prevent inadvertent touching of the currentcarrying portions of the switch arrangement. The members 3?, ll and 42,43, are the turnable end portions of a three-phase switch arrangementand correspond to the portions 3 of FIG. 1. Branch lines 4-5, 46 and 47are inintroduced from one side into the housing and terminate in contactmembers adapted to be engaged by the contact faces at the ends of theabove mentioned turnable portions 39-44, respectively. The turnableportions 39 are supported in bearings 51 and the above described coupling members are designated by 52. The last mena tinned couplingmembers may be located outside the housing ill. However, in certaincases it is advisable to have the housing 43 extend as indicatedgrammatically at 58 so that the coupling members are also located Withinthe insulating medium filling the housing. The actuating means A whichoperate as described above are indicated diagrammatically in PEG. 8.When the coupling members 52 are located inside the housing as justdescribed than it is necessary to introduce the bushar or conductormembers case. and 652 623 in fully insulated condition through the wallof the hou ng all, or conventional lead-through bushings must be used.

it should be noted that the spacing between the three turnable switchmember groups of a three-phase'system and the respectively associatedconductor can be reduced to about 4-0 to 70% of the usually required iffor the purpose of safety in operation insulating shields are arrangedbetween the switch sections assigned to different phases.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above or twoor more together, may also a useful application in other types of highvoltage switch arrangements differing from the types described above.

While the invention been illustrated and described as embodied in highvoltage switch arrangement with turnable conductor members, it is notintended to be limited to the details shown, since various modificationsand structural changes may be made without departing in any Way from thespirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis the foregoing will so fully reveal the gist ofthe present invention that others can by applying current knowledgereadily adapt it for various applications without omitting featuresthat, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essentialcharacteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this inventionand, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to becomprehended within the meaning and rave of equivalence of the followingclaims.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by Letter Patent is:

l. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comp-rising, in combination, at least one insulated conductormeans having an insulated main portion having an axis and an insulatedangular end portion having a first insulated portion and a secondinsulated portion extendiwg transversely of each other, said secondinsulated portion having an end portion including a contact faceprojecting therefrom, said first insulated portion having a common axiswith said main portion of said conductor means and being conductivelyconnected therewith by an unin-sulated intermediate portion permittingsaid angular end portion to be turned relative to said main portionabout said common axis between at least two angularly spaced positionsin at least one of which said contact face is adapted to engage anothercondoctor; actuating means for turning said angular portion between saidangularly spaced positions; and cougiling means surrounding saidintermediate portion adjoining parts of said main and end portions ofsaid cor.- ductor means and permitting said angular end portion to beturned relative to said main portion.

2. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, a first and a second insulatedconductor means having each an insulated portion having axis and aninsulated angular end portion having a first insulated portion and asecond insulated portion extending transversely of each other, saidsecond insulated portion having an end portion including a contact faceprojecting therefrom, said first insulated portions of said angular endportions having a common axis with said main portions of both saidconductor means and each being conductively connected with said mainportion of the respective conductor means by an uninsulated intermediateportion permitting the individual angular end portion to be turnedrelative to the respective main portion about said common axis betweenat least two angularly spaced positions in at least one of which saidcontact face of said end portion of said first conductor means isadapted to engage said contact face of said end portion of said secondconductor means; actuating means for turning said angular end portionsbetween said angularly space positions; and a first and a secondcoupling means surrounding respectively said intermediate portion andthe adjoining parts of said main and end portions of said first andsecond conductor ctively, and permitting the individual angular endportion to be turned relative to the respective main portion.

3. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, at least one insulated conductormeans having an insulated portion having an axis and including a contactface projecting therefrom; at least one insulated angular connectormeans having a first insulated portion and a second insulated portionextending transversely of each other, said first and second insulatedportions having each an end portion including first and second contactfaces, respectively, projecting therefrom, said first portion having acommon axis with said end portion of said conductor means, and saidconnector means being turnable relative to said conductor means aboutsaid common axis be twcen at least two angularly spaced positions in atleast one of which said second contact face of said second portion ofsaid connector means is adapted to engage another conductor; actuatingmeans for turning said connector means be ween said angnl arly spacedpositions; and con means for maintaining said conductor and connectormeans in a relative position in which said contact face of saidconductor means and said first contact face of said first portion ofsaid connector means are in conductive engagement in any position ofsaid connector means relative to said conductor means.

A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, a first and a second intrlatedconductor means having each insulated end portion having an axis andincluding a contact face projecting therefrom, said end portions beingaxially soaced from each other a predetermined distance; a first and asecond insulated angular connector means each having a first insulatedportion and a second insulated portion extending transversely of eachother, first and second insulated portions having each an end portionincluding first and second contact faces, respectively, projectingtherefrom, said first portion of said first connector means having acommon axis with said end portion of said first conductor means and saidfirst portion of said second connector means having a common axis withsaid end portion of said second conductor means, and said first andsecond connector means being turnable relative to said first and secondconductor means, respectively, about the respective common axis thereofbetween at least two angularly spaced positions in one of which saidsecond contact face of said second portion of one of s d connector meansis adapted to engage said second co ct face of said second portion ofthe other connector means; actuating means for turning said connectormeans between said angularly spaced positions; and

a first and a second coupling means for maintaining said first co:Zuctor and connector means and said second conductor co nector means,respectively, in a relative position in whi b said contact face of saidfirst and second conductor means said first contact face of said firstportion of said first second connector means, respectively, are inconductive engagement in any position of said first and second connectormeans relative to said first and second conductor means.

5. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, a first and a second insulatedconductor means having each an insulated end portionhaving an axis andincluding a contact face projecting therefrom, said end portions beingaxially spaced from each other a predetermined dis tance, and at leastone third conductor means having an end portion including a contactmember located in a plane transverse of said axis and at a predetermineddistance from said axis; a first and a second insulated angularconnector means each having a first insulated portion and a secondinsulated portion extending tnansversely of each other, said first andsecond insulated portions having each an end portion including first andsecond contact faces, respectively, projecting therefrom, said firstportion of said first connector means having a common axis with said endportion of said first conductor means and said first portion of saidsecond connector means having a common axis with said end portion ofsaid second conductor means, and said first and second connector meansbeing turnable relative to said first and second conductor means,respectively, about the respective common axis thereof between aplurality of angularly spaced positions in one of which said secondcontact face of said second portion of one of said connector means isadapted to engage said second contact face of said second portion of theother connector means, While in another one of said positions saidsecond contact face of said second portion of at least one of saidconnector means is adapted to engage said contact member of said thirdconductor means; actuating means for turning said connector meansbetween said angularly spaced positions; and a first and a secondcoupling means for maintaining said first conductor and connector meansand said second conductor and connector means, respectively, in arelative position in which said contact face of said first and secondconductor means and said first contact face of said first portion ofsaid first and second connector means, respectively, are in conductiveengagement in any position of said first and second connector meansrelative to said first and second conductor means. 6. An arrangement asclaimed in claim 4, wherein said actuating means are adapted to turnsimultaneously said first and second connector means in oppositedirections. 7. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, including a secondconductor means having an end contact face and a grounded contactmember, said connector means being turnable between a plurality ofangularly spaced positions in one of which said second contact face ofsaid second portion of said connector means is adapted to engage saidend contact face of said second conductor means, while in anotherposition it is adapted to engage said grounded contact member.

8. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, a first and a second insulatedconductor means having each an insulated end portion having an axis andincluding a contact face projecting therefrom, said end portionsextending substantially parallel with each other and being spaced fromeach other a predetermined distance; a first and a second insulatedangular connector means each having a first insulated portion and. asecond insulated portion extending transversely of each other, saidfirst and second insulated portions having each an end portion includingfirst and second contact faces, respectively, projecting therefrom, saidfirst portion of said first connector means having a common axis withsaid end portion of said first conductor means and said first portion ofsaid econd connector means having a common axis with said end portion ofsaid second conductor means, and said first i and second connector meansbeing turnable relative to said first and second conductor means,respectively, about the respective common axis thereof between at leasttwo on gularly spaced positions in one of which said second contact faceof said second portion of one of said connector means is adapted toengase said second contact face of said second portion of the otherconnector means; actuating means for turning said connector meansbetween said angularly spaced positions; and a first and a secondcoupling means for maintaining said first conductor and connector meansand said second conductor and connector means, respectively, in arelative position in which said contact face of said first and secondconductor means and said first contact face of said first portion ofsaid first and second connector means, respectively, are in conductiveengagement in any position of said first and second connector meansrelative to said first and second conductor means.

9. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated high voltagelines, comprising, in combination, a first and a second insulatedconductor means having each an insulated end portion having an axis anincluding a contact face projecting therefrom, said end portionsextending substantially parallel with each other and being spaced fromeach other a predetermined distance, and at least one third conductormeans having an end portion including a contact member located in aplane transverse of said axis and at a predetermined distance from saidaxis; a first and a second insulated angular connector means each havinga first insulated portion and a second insulated portion extendingtransversely of each one said first and second insulated portions havingeach an end portion including first and second contact faces,respectively, projecting therefrom, said first portion of said firstconnector means having a common axis with said end portion of said firstconductor means and said first portion or" said second connector meanshaving a common axis with said end portion of said second conductormeans, and said first and second connector means being turnabie relativeto said first and second conductor means, respectively, about therespective common axis thereof between a plurality of angularly spacedpositions in one of which said second contact face of said secondportion of one of said connector means is adapted to engage said secondcontact face of said second portion of the other connector means, whilein another one of said positions said second contact face of said secondportion of at least one of said connecter means is adapted to engagesaid contact member of said third conductor means; actuating means forturning said connector means between said angularly spaced positions;and a first and a second coupling means for maintaining said firstconductor and connector means and said second conductor and connectormeans, respectively, in a relative position which said contact face ofsaid first and second conductor means and said first contact face ofsaid first portion of said first and second connector means,respectively, are in conductive engagement in any position of said firstand second connector means relative to said first and second conductormeans.

10. An arrangement as claimed in claim 9, including a grounded contactmember, at least one of said connector means being turnabie into aposition wherein its end contact face is adapted to engage said groundedcontact member.

11. A connecting and disconnecting arrangement for insulated highvoltage lines, comprising, in combination, four insulated conductormeans each having an insulated end portion having an axis and includinga contact face projecting therefrom, said end portions of a first andsecond one of said conductor means being axially spaced from each othera predetermined distance, and said end portions of a third and. a fourthone of said conductor means being axially spaced from each other apredetermined distance, said end portions of said first and secondconductor means extending substantially parallel with those of saidthird and fourth conductor means at a predetermined distance, and atleast one fifth conductor means having an end portion incmding a contactmember located in a rlane transverse of said axes of said end portionsof said conductor means and at a predetermined distance therefrom; fourinsulated angular connector means each having a first insulated portionand a second insulated portion extending transversely of each other,said first and second insulated portions having each an end portionincluding first and second contact faces,

arcane? respectively, projecting therefrom, said first portion of afirst and second one of said connector means having a common axis withsaid end portion of said first and second conductor means, respectively,and said first portion of a third and fourth one of said connector meanshaving a common axis with said end portion of said third fourthconductor means, respectively, said first ant second connector meansbeing turnable, relative to said first and second conductor means,respectively, and said third and fourth connector means being turnablerelative to said third and fourth conductor means, respectively, all ofsaid connector means being turnable about the respective axis between aplurality of angularly spaced positions, respectively, said secondcontact faces of said first and second connector means being adapted inone of said positions to engage each other, s id second contact faces ofth d and fourth connector means being adapted in one of said positionsto engage each other, said second contact faces of said first and thirdconnector means being adapted in one of said positions to engage eachother, said second contact faces of said second and fourth connectormeans being adapted in one of said positions to engage each other, saidsecond contact faces of said first and second connector means beingadapted in other positions to engage said contact member of said fifthconductor means, and said second contact faces of said third and fourthconnector means being adapted in other positions thereof to engage saidcontact member of said fifth concluctor means; actuating means forturning said connectormeans between said angularly spaced positi ns; andcoupling means for mainta ning said first, second, third and fourthconductor means and said first, second, third and fourth connectormeans, respectively, in relative positions in which said contact facesof said conductor means and said first contact faces of said firstportions of said connector means, respectively, are in conductiveengagement in any position of said connector means relative to saidconductor means.

12. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein sm'd coupling meanscomprise an insulating bushing coaxially surrounding said first contactface of said connector means and said contact face said conductor meanswhich are in engagement with each other, and also at least a part ofsaid insulated first portion of said connector means and at least a partof said insulated end portion of said conductor means.

13. An arrangement as claimed in claim 12, wherein said insulated firstportion of said connector means and said insulated end portion of saidconductor means as well as said insulating bushing'are provided withmeans for providing a desired di lectric gradient so that no substantialpotential differences exist between said in sulating bushing and saidportions of said connector and conductor means.

14. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said coupling meanscomprise a metallic bushing coaxially surrounding said first contactface of said connector means and said contact face of said conductormeans which are in engagement with each other, and also at least a partof said insulated first portion of said connector means and at least apart of said insulated end portion of said conductor means, the outerends of said J shing being in conductive contact with the outer skin ofsaid insulated portions so as to be adapted to transfer grou dconnection from one portion to the other provided 1 said outer skin isconductive and that said outer skin of said conductor means is grounded.

15. An arrangement as claimed in claim 4-, including a metallic housingsurrounding at least part of said insulated end portions of said firstand second conductor means and of said connector means, and a fluidinsulating medium contained in said housing for surrounding said partsof said and second conductor means and said connector means, said fluidmedium having a dielectric strength least equal to that of air.

16. An arrangement as claimed in claim 5, including a netailic housingsurrounding at least part of said in sulatcd end portions of said firstand second conductor a contact face projecting therefrom, said endportions eing axially spaced from each other a predetermined distancerafirst and a second insulated angular connector means each having a firstinsulated portion and a second insulated portion extending transverselyof each other, said first and second insulated portions having each anend portion including first and second contact faces, respectively,projecting therefrom, said first portion of said first connector meanshaving a common axis with said end portion of said first conductor meansand said first portion of said second connector means having a commonaxis with said end portion 'of said second conductor means, and saidfirst and second connector'means being turnable relative to said firstand second conductor means, respectively, about the respective commonaxis thereof between at least two angularly spaced positions in one ofwhich said second contact face of said second portion of one of saidconnector means is adapted to engage said second contact face of saidsecond portion of the other connector means; insulating shield meansarranged between said connector means associated with one phase andthose associated with another phase; actuating means for turning saidconnector means between said angularly spaced positions; and a first anda second coupling means for maintaining said first conductor andconnector means and said second conductor and connector means,respectively, in a relative position in which said contact face of So d.first and second conductor means and said first contact face of saidfirst portion of said first and second connector means, respectively,are in conductive engagement in any position of said first and secondconnector means relative to said first and second conductor means.

18. An arrangement as claimed in claim 11, wherein said actuator meansare constructed and arranged to turn said first and second connectormeans jointly between said positions thereof and said third and fourthconnector means jointly between said positions thereof.

l9. An arrangement as claimed in claim 17, wherein said actuator meansare constructed and arranged to turn all of said first and secondconnector means associated with said plurality of phases, respectively,jointly between said positions thereof.

20. An arrangement as claimed in claim 3, wherein said angular connectormeans comprises an angularly bent lead-through bushing having a firststraight portion constituting said first insulated portion and a secondstraight portion constituting said second insulated portion.

No references cited.

1. A CONNECTING AND DISCONNECTING ARRANGEMENT FOR INSULATED HIGH VOLTAGELINES, COMPRISING, IN COMBINATION, AT LEAST ONE INSULATED CONDUCTORMEANS HAVING AN INSULATED MAIN PORTION HAVING AN AXIS AND AN INSULATEDANGULAR END PORTION HAVING A FIRST INSULATED PORTION AND A SECONDINSULATED PORTION EXTENDING TRANSVERSELY OF EACH OTHER, SAID SECONDINSULATED PORTION HAVING AN END PORTION INCLUDING A CONTACT FACEPROJECTING THEREFROM, SAID FIRST INSULATED PORTION HAVING A COMMON AXISWITH SAID MAIN PORTION OF SAID CONDUCTOR MEANS AND BEING CONDUCTIVELYCONNECTED THEREWITH BY AN UNINSULATED INTERMEDIATE PORTION PERMITTINGSAID ANGULAR END PORTION TO BE TURNED RELATIVE TO SAID MAIN PORTIONABOUT SAID COMMON AXIS BETWEEN AT LEAST TWO ANGULARLY SPACED POSITIONSIN AT LEAST ONE OF WHICH SAID CONTACT FACE IS ADAPTED TO ENGAGE ANOTHERCONDUCTOR; ACTUATING MEANS FOR TURNING SAID ANGULAR END PORTION BETWEENSAID ANGULARLY SPACED POSITIONS; AND COUPLING MEANS SURROUNDING SAIDINTERMEDIATE PORTION AND THE ADJOINING PARTS OF SAID MAIN AND ENDPORTIONS OF SAID CONDUCTOR MEANS AND PERMITTING SAID ANGULAR END PORTIONTO BE TURNED RELATIVE TO SAID MAIN PORTION.